Research Associate, In Vivo

Flagship Pioneering, Inc.; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 94,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare coverage

Annual incentive program

Retirement benefits

Job summary

FL106 Inc. is seeking a Research Associate to advance in vivo pharmacology programs and generate high-quality data in animal models. You will contribute to biodistribution, target engagement, and biological responses across CNS delivery studies.

Candidates should have a bachelor’s degree in Cell Biology or related field with 1+ years of lab experience, especially in rodent in vivo work and histology. The role offers a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment in Cambridge, MA.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Cell Biology or related field with 1+ years lab experience.
• Hands-on, rodent in vivo experience.
• Proficient in histology including embedding, sectioning, staining, IHC/IF, and imaging.

Responsibilities

• Perform in vivo rodent studies including IV/IP/SC and CNS delivery.
• Conduct tissue harvesting, necropsies, and sample prep for downstream analyses.
• Perform IHC/IF and imaging; analyze data with ImageJ/QuPath/Halo.

Skills

In vivo studies

Histology

Molecular biology

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Cell Biology or related field

Tools

ImageJ

QuPath

Halo

Job description

Company Summary

FL106 Inc. is a privately held, early-stage biotechnology company focused on developing novel drug delivery modalities. FL106 Inc. is backed by Flagship Pioneering, which provides the strategic vision and resources to advance FL106 from platform validation to clinical impact.

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated Research Associate with broad expertise conducting in vivo studies, histology preparation and analysis, and molecular biology. This individual will play an important role in generating high-quality data on the biodistribution, target engagement, and biological response of our molecules in animal models. The candidate must be independent, goal-oriented, have excellent communication skills, and be willing to work in a highly dynamic and fast-paced entrepreneurial environment. This is a unique opportunity to drive the growth of an early-stage biotechnology company where you can contribute to the next frontier of genetic medicines. We are looking for collaborative, enthusiastic problem-solvers to join our team, driven by a shared goal of making a practical impact.

Key Responsibilities

In Vivo Pharmacology

• Conduct in vivo studies in rodent models including experience with peripheral administration (IV, IP, SC) and stereotactic surgeries for direct to CNS administration.
• Conduct terminal procedures, including animal takedowns, blood collection, and necropsies.
• Perform tissue harvesting and dissection as appropriate for downstream bioanalytical and histological applications.

Histology & Imaging

• Prepare, embed, and section a variety of mammalian tissues using microtome, vibratome, or cryostat techniques (FFPE or fresh-frozen samples).
• Perform immunohistochemistry (IHC) and immunofluorescence (IF) on tissue sections.
• Acquire high-quality images using epifluorescence and/or confocal microscopy.
• Perform in vivo and ex vivo fluorescence and bioluminescence imaging using IVIS or equivalent small-animal imaging systems, including organ collection, image acquisition, and quantitative analysis of signal intensity and tissue distribution.
• Conduct quantitative image analysis (cell counts, regional MFI, colocalization analysis, morphometric quantification) using software such as ImageJ, QuPath, Halo, or equivalent platforms.

Molecular Biology

• Perform measurement of gene and protein expression analyses using qRT-PCR, Western blotting, and ELISA methodologies and interpret data.
• Report results clearly to the scientific team.

Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Cell Biology or a related field, with 1+ years of laboratory experience, preferably in the biopharmaceutical industry.
• Strong hands-on experience with rodent in vivo studies.
• Strong hands-on experience in histology, including tissue embedding, sectioning, staining, IHC/IF, and imaging.

Additional Qualifications (preferred but not required)

• Authorship on a peer reviewed publication.
• Experience with multiplex IHC/IF and advanced image analysis platforms.

About Flagship

Flagship Pioneering is a bioplatform innovation company that invents and builds platform companies, each with the potential for multiple products that transform human health or sustainability. Since its launch in 2000, Flagship has originated and fostered more than 100 scientific ventures, resulting in generation of over 500 patents, initiation of over 50 clinical trials for novel therapeutic agents and an aggregate value of more than $90 billion. Many of the companies Flagship has founded have addressed humanity’s most urgent challenges: vaccinating billions of people against COVID-19, curing intractable diseases, improving human health, preempting illness, and feeding the world by improving the resiliency and sustainability of agriculture. Flagship has been recognized twice on FORTUNE’s “Change the World” list, an annual ranking of companies that have made a positive social and environmental impact through activities that are part of their core business strategies and has been twice named to Fast Company’s annual list of the World’s Most Innovative Companies. Learn more about Flagship at www.flagshippioneering.com.

Flagship Pioneering is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status.

At Flagship, we recognize there is no perfect candidate. Experience comes in many forms, skills are transferable, and passion goes a long way. We are dedicated to building diverse and inclusive teams and look forward to learning more about your unique background.

Privacy Notice for Applicants

When you apply for a role at Flagship Pioneering or one of its portfolio companies, we collect and use personal information you provide (such as your name, contact details, work history, and application materials) to evaluate your application, communicate with you, and comply with legal obligations. Your application data is processed through Greenhouse, our applicant tracking system, and may also be reviewed using AI-assisted screening tools. We do not sell your personal information. California residents have rights under the CCPA/CPRA including to know, delete, and opt out of the sharing of their personal information. If you are located in the EU or UK, we process your data under GDPR and you have rights to access, rectify, and erase your data. To exercise your rights or for questions, contact [e-mail].

The salary range for this role is $65,000 - $93,500. Compensation for the role will depend on a number of factors, including a candidate’s qualifications, skills, competencies, and experience.

• healthcare coverage
• annual incentive program
• retirement benefits
• a broad range of other benefits

Compensation and benefits information is based on FL106's good faith estimate as of the date of publication and may be modified in the future.